Hip Hop market share explodes as The Edge Radio and moob lead the way

(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 29, 2007 ) Sydney, AustraliaHip hop has taken over the music industry in the same way the Williams sisters have taken over tennis. Look at the National Basketball Association as hiphop players Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson and hip-hop culture in general are being used to sell soda, candy, and clothes to young people. To see hip-hop as simply rap is to not understand the impact and influence of a greater movement.Today, hip hop and rap is the fastest growing music genre in the U.S., accounting for more than 10 percent of the $12.3 billion music sales in 1998. Australia and New Zealand are closely following theses trends and the market is expected to continue growing as lines blur. The Edge Radio and moob have acknowledged these trends and are working with corporate clients to deliver appropriate messages to this demographic. TV advertising and mainstream media do not reach today’s youth, The Edge radio and moob have developed creative campaigns and user driven communication to encourage interaction and positive brand image.According to the Recording Industry Association of America, rock music accounted for 32.5 percent of the industry's $12.3 billion in sales during 1997. But this figure is down from 46.2 percent a decade ago. Meanwhile rap music's share of sales has increased 150% over the last ten years and is still rising.Now in 2006 in Australia urban music, encompassing hip hop, R&B and rap, accounts for over 35% of music sales (according to Aria charts) and globally Urban Music accounts over 50% of all digital music downloads. Two youth channels not blind to this phenomenon are online social networking site moob and dedicated hip-hop and R&B radio station The Edge radio. Moob and The Edge Radio offers daily credible shows, information on hip hop and urban music in all it’s forms, including artist interviews, local and global news, events and tours, club guides, clothing, music downloads, ringtones, wallpapers, games and so much more.By teaming up with The Edge Radio, moob has expanded it’s reach into the urban music market in Australia. The Edge 96.1 is the only radio station in Australia offering 100% hip-hop and R&B music all day long. Add into the mix members parties, tours, exclusive interviews and competitions and you have a complete package for urban music enthusiasts.Hip Hop, R&B and other sub genres of urban music can no longer be ignored as a passing fad, it is entrenched in youth culture and a sizeable business entity. moob.com targets the urban market in Australia by providing a cutting edge social networking website entirely focused on hip hop, R&B and rap and it’s surrounding culture. As of Dec 11th moob will offer users exclusive music content including custom made ringtones, high profile DJ mixes, music sales and music videos.For more info or media enquiries please contact moobcontact@moob.com (02)8484 3600www.moob.com###

Jade Harley

jade@qimedia.com.au